Google Inc. today announced the launch of Google Earth, Google's new satellite imagery-based mapping product that combines 3D buildings and terrain with mapping capability and Google search. Based on Keyhole technology, Google Earth enables users to fly from space to street level views to find geographic information and explore places around the world.

Key features of Google Earth include: Free software download available at http://earth.google.com/3D buildings in major cities across the United States 3D terrain showing mountains, valleys, and canyons around the world Integrated Google Local search to find local information such as hotels, restaurants, schools, parks, and transportation Fast, dynamic navigation Video playback of driving directions Tilt, rotate, and activate 3D terrain and buildings for a different perspective on a location Easy creation and sharing of annotations among users "Google Earth utilizes broadband streaming technology and 3D graphics, much like a videogame, enabling users to interactively explore the world-- either their own neighborhood or the far corners of the globe," said John Hanke, general manager, Keyhole, Google Inc. "With many ways to access geographic information, Google provides a very rich local search experience for users worldwide."

Google Earth is the latest innovation within Google's local search product suite, which currently includes Google Local and Google Maps for web users and mobile phone users. With Google Earth, users have the tools to dive deeper into local information, whether they're exploring a vacation destination or researching a new home or apartment. They can combine multiple layers of information, such as cross-referencing school districts with address look-ups of available homes, business listings and public transportation, and save their results for later use.